Architrave

Architrave was impressive in winning what looked a competitive juvenile hurdle at Market Rasen on Saturday. Under an 8lb penalty, he travelled well in front, he jumped well, and he had all of his rivals in trouble by the time they turned for home. He picked up really well when faced with the dangerous-looking challenge of Two Kisses at the second-last and he won going away.

This race has been contested and won by some top juvenile hurdlers in the past, including Barizan, Katchit and Franchoek. Architrave still has a fair way to go to reach that level, but he does look more than useful at this stage and there is almost certainly more to come. Tim Vaughan’s gelding travelled really well in front here, jumped economically and the right horses finished directly behind him, with Two Kisses and Beyond, the second and fourth, both already dual winners over hurdles as well. Winless and rated no better than 72 on the flat, Architrave seems to be a different proposition with eight flights of hurdles in front of him. He stays well, so the Cheltenham hill should suit him, which augurs well for him as a Triumph Hurdle aspirant, and for his next intended engagement in the listed juvenile hurdle at Cheltenham’s October meeting.

25th September 2010